The Harris Texas Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides crucial protections for employees during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Under the FMLA, eligible employees are entitled to job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons, including the current public health crisis. Here is detailed information about different types of Harris Texas FMLA provisions related to COVID-19: 1. Emergency Paid Sick Leave: The FMLA ensures that eligible employees in Harris Texas can receive up to 80 hours (two weeks) of paid sick leave when unable to work due to COVID-19-related reasons. This includes being under quarantine or self-isolation, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, seeking a medical diagnosis, caring for an individual under quarantine, or attending to a child whose school or care provider is closed due to the pandemic. 2. Expanded Family and Medical Leave: Harris Texas employees may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave under the FMLA if they are unable to work because they need to care for their child(men) due to school or daycare closures related to COVID-19. This expanded provision applies to both public and private sector employees. 3. Eligibility and Qualifications: To be eligible for Harris Texas FMLA benefits related to COVID-19, employees must have worked for their employer for at least 30 days, be unable to work or telework due to the specific COVID-19 reasons mentioned, and must work for an employer with fewer than 500 employees. 4. Protection Against Retaliation: The Harris Texas FMLA provisions protect employees from any retaliation for taking leave related to COVID-19. It is illegal for employers to terminate, discriminate, or retaliate against employees for utilizing their rights under the FMLA or for filing related complaints. 5. Job Restoration and Benefits: Employees who take FMLA leave for COVID-19 reasons should be restored to their previous position or an equivalent role when they return to work. Harris Texas employers must maintain their health coverage during the leave period as under regular FMLA provisions. 6. Documentation and Notice: Employees seeking FMLA leave for COVID-19 should provide their employers with appropriate notice as soon as practicable. Documentation may vary depending on the specific reason for the leave, such as a doctor's note, quarantine order, school closure notice, or other relevant evidence. Understanding the different provisions of the Harris Texas FMLA related to COVID-19 can significantly aid employees in navigating their rights and entitlements during these uncertain times. Note that specific details, regulations, and eligibility requirements may change over time, so it is essential to consult the official sources or legal professionals for the most up-to-date information on Harris Texas FMLA provisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.